Bryson DeChambeau says he is "proud" of LIV Golf after Indianapolis finale
Bryson DeChambeau said he is "proud" of what LIV Golf has achieved after the breakaway league's final event of the season in Indianapolis on Sunday. His remarks come amid questions over LIV's future following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund earlier this year.
LIV Golf launched in 2022 as an alternative to the PGA Tour and has faced heightened uncertainty since the PIF withdrew its financial backing in April. Last week its season-ending Team Championships in Michigan was cancelled. The league has spent £3.7bn on player contracts and prize money since its inception.
DeChambeau, who led a selection of star players in joining LIV Golf four years ago, reflected on the experience in an interview. "It has been an interesting ride, that's for sure, everything we've gone through, and the tough moments we've had. It's made us stronger," said DeChambeau.
He acknowledged the league's imperfections while expressing optimism about its direction. "As much as we are transitioning from LIV 1.0 to LIV 2.0, I have great thoughts about what could happen next year. I wish I could be more upfront about it."
DeChambeau added further assessment of LIV's impact and his personal view. "Ultimately I'm proud of the fact of what we've done, the good and some of the bad that we've unfortunately had, things that have occurred, I'm going to be real with it, not everything was perfect."
Rory McIlroy said last week it could be a "tough road back" to the PGA Tour for those who leave LIV Golf. Spain's Jon Rahm, the league's individual champion for a third consecutive year, said outside speculation had not affected his play: "There's been a lot that has surrounded all of us pretty much since we joined. At the end of the day, once you step on the golf course it's just golf," said Rahm. "All the problems and theories go away and you compete. It hasn't been any harder or easier. That is the life of a pro athlete, you deal with things like that."
American rookie Michael La Sasso pipped Rahm to win the event in Indianapolis, carding a final-round 65 to finish on 18-under-par. Rahm finished one shot behind on 17-under, with DeChambeau and Spain's Sergio Garcia tying for third a further shot back. La Sasso, 22, executed a perfect chip on the final hole before a tap-in birdie to become the youngest winner of a LIV Golf event.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has said new investors have been secured for next season but has been tight-lipped on the league's future plans and structure, and the cancellation of the Michigan Team Championships meant the Indianapolis event concluded the 2026 campaign.